As time moves, the higher education landscape is expected to undergo significant changes, with universities adapting to the rapidly evolving landscape of technology and society. Here are ten bold predictions about university ranking in the coming years:

1. Online and blended learning will become a major factor in university ranking. With the increasing popularity of online and blended learning programs, universities will be evaluated based on the quality and accessibility of their digital resources and the effectiveness of their online instruction. This will also mean a shift in the way universities are being ranked, and the traditional ranking systems will be reevaluated to take into account the emergence of online learning.
2. The emphasis on career-relevant skills and practical experience will increase. As the job market evolves and the demand for certain skills changes, universities will be ranked based on their ability to provide students with the knowledge and experience they need to succeed in their chosen fields. This could mean an increase in the number of universities offering vocational and professional programs, as well as an emphasis on internships, apprenticeships, and other experiential learning opportunities.
3. Social and environmental responsibility will become a key factor in university ranking. As society becomes more aware of the impact of higher education on the environment and communities, universities will be expected to demonstrate their commitment to sustainability and social responsibility. This could include factors such as carbon footprint, community engagement, and ethical investments.
4. The use of artificial intelligence in ranking systems will become more prevalent. As AI technology continues to advance, universities will be ranked based on the extent to which they are utilizing AI to improve the student learning experience. This could include factors such as personalized learning, adaptive testing, and the use of AI-enabled tutoring systems.
5. Rankings will become more decentralized and diverse. As more universities from different countries and regions become more prominent in the field of higher education, traditional ranking systems will be challenged to be more inclusive and diverse. This could mean an increase in the number of alternative ranking systems and a greater focus on regional and national rankings, rather than global rankings.
6. The use of big data will become increasingly important in ranking universities. As universities generate more data on student performance, research output, and other factors, ranking systems will be able to make use of this data to produce more accurate and comprehensive rankings.
7. Rankings will place greater emphasis on graduate outcomes. As universities increasingly focus on the employability and career prospects of their graduates, ranking systems will place greater emphasis on graduate outcomes, including employment rates, starting salaries, and career progression.
8. Student engagement and experience will become a more prominent factor in ranking. With the rise of student-centric approaches to higher education, universities will be ranked based on the extent to which they are fostering a positive and engaging learning experience for students.
9. The use of virtual and augmented reality in teaching and learning will become more common, and it will be taken into account when ranking universities. As technology advances, universities are incorporating virtual and augmented reality in the classroom, and it will be a factor that ranking systems will consider when assessing universities.
10. Rankings will place greater emphasis on the quality of student support services. As universities increasingly focus on providing a holistic and supportive student experience, ranking systems will place greater emphasis on the quality of student support services, including counseling, health services, and academic advising.

It’s expected that university ranking will continue to evolve and adapt to the changing needs of society, with a greater emphasis on online and blended learning, career-relevant skills, and social and environmental responsibility.